The Outside View: The Importance of a Couture Mind-set

The casualization of fashion and an obsession with street wear, wellness, and wearable fashion tech are everywhere, mirroring our fast-paced, tech-obsessed lives. Sneakers have become a powerful engine of growth for luxury houses, sales of high heels are shrinking and hardly anyone wears a necktie anymore. So why is it that the V&A has had to extend its Dior exhibition for a further seven weeks, until September? Why do the Paris couture shows remain the most awaited of the fashion season? In January, Balmain returned to the couture calendar after a 16-year hiatus, while Hedi Slimane plans to expand the category as part of many new initiatives as creative director at Celine. Younger labels — including Mary Katrantzou, Richard Quinn and Marine Serre — are all exploring demi-couture while British designer Ozwald Boateng recently unveiled his first collection of tailored clothing for women in Harlem in Manhattan. Why? I believe the reason is that deep down, we still want to dream. We are entranced by beauty and craftsmanship and yearn to retain some of those values. To some, the world of couture may seem detached, irrelevant, archaic even, but it still exerts a powerful pull, and also sends a strong message about longevity,

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